The September 11th attack
Residents alerted about disaster 'relief fund' scams

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Honolulu police and the Better Business Bureau are warning of fraudulent appeals for donations in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.

Authorities have received inquiries about telephone solicitors who said they were calling on behalf of the World Trade Center victims. The callers have identified themselves as firefighters, police officers or deputy sheriffs and requested donations.

The callers also have asked for personal information, such as credit card numbers, police said.

BBB spokesman Art Taylor said residents should check out the credibility of an organization before making a donation. "Fraudulent solicitors often demand on-the-spot contributions and rely on the fact that individuals will not question their efforts," he said.

He said legitimate organizations should describe the specific services the charity intends to provide.

The state Office of Consumer Protection also is warning residents of Internet schemes to profit from the terrorist attacks.

A typical e-mail claims to be part of an "Express Relief Fund" or "Victims Survivor Fund." Stephen Levins, acting executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection, said criminals also are claiming to be part of legitimate charities, such as the Red Cross, but direct people to unrelated Web sites designed to steal credit card numbers.

Access the BBB Web site, or call the Office of Consumer Protection at 586-2653.